Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

"It doesn't matter." Gavin waved his hand, interrupting Tyron. "I'm curious to meet those siblings myself."

Sensing the change in Gavin's mood, Tyron quickly shifted gears. "Sir Gavin, the banquet tomorrow will be attended by notable figures, including the Sea King himself, several members of the keykeeper families, and other influential Braavosi nobles."

Through their conversation, Gavin learned that Tyron belonged to the Leyan family, one of the twenty-three keykeeper families of the Iron Bank. The Iron Bank's influence stretched far beyond Braavos, and the adage "The Iron Bank will have its due" reflected its power. Gavin briefly thought about the many keykeeper families, realizing it was no wonder he hadn't memorized them all.

About half an hour later, the wheelhouse arrived at the seaside villa the Sea King had arranged for Gavin. A group of immaculately dressed maids and servants stood waiting at the entrance.

The villa was a masterpiece of Braavosi design, seamlessly blending sophistication and charm. Its white walls glowed softly under the setting sun, and its red-tiled roof contrasted beautifully with the deep blues of the sea and sky.

As Gavin stepped into the courtyard, a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers to him. Neatly trimmed hedges lined the path, leading to a stone-paved trail that ended at a scenic viewing platform. From there, Gavin looked out over the busy docks of Braavos, bustling with activity as ships came and went. Seagulls soared above, their cries mingling with the hum of the city below.

Gavin stood at the platform, admiring the view, when a sudden surge of magic coursed through him. Syndor's emotions pulsed in his mind, restless and insistent. He placed a hand over his chest and murmured, "Be patient. Not yet."

Later That Night

The moonlight bathed the villa in a silvery glow, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The stillness was broken by a gentle knock at the gate. A soldier on duty cautiously opened it, letting in a cloaked figure who moved with purpose.

The figure crossed the flower-lined courtyard, his boots clicking faintly against the stones. He stopped before Gavin, who was waiting for him on the terrace.

The man bowed deeply. "Sir Gavin, I've come as instructed."

Gavin's sharp gaze fell on him. "Are you the one Boris placed here?"

"Yes, sir," the man confirmed.

"Tell me everything that's happened here before I arrived," Gavin demanded, his tone firm.

The man quickly launched into his report. "As word of your dragon, Syndor, spread across Braavos, the Purple Fleet was placed on high alert. Sailors were recalled from taverns and brothels and are now stationed on their ships. The docks where the fleet is anchored are heavily guarded, and long iron crossbow bolts have been delivered to the port's fortresses. I believe they are preparing for Syndor."

Gavin nodded, his expression unreadable. "Their precautions are expected. It would be unusual if they weren't prepared. And what of the siblings?"

The man hesitated briefly before continuing. "After news of your dragon reached Braavos, the Sea King sent for them immediately. They've been housed in a secure location and treated with courtesy. Additionally, Illyrio Mopatis, the governor of Pentos, arrived yesterday. He tried to visit the siblings today, but the Sea King's guards denied him access. He has, however, sent word to the Sea King's palace and is expected to attend the banquet tomorrow."

Gavin frowned, deep in thought. "So, my appearance has disrupted their plans. The news of Syndor may have forced Varys and Illyrio to act sooner than intended. In the original timeline, Viserys would have wandered here for another year. If Illyrio hasn't yet contacted the Horse King, how does he plan to persuade Viserys to leave with him?"

Seeing Gavin's expression, the man waited patiently. After a moment, Gavin snapped out of his thoughts. "Anything else of note?"

The man considered his response. "Braavos sees many travelers, and not all are noteworthy. However, I did hear about a Lysian warship that arrived recently. Its passengers carried several heavy chests directly to the House of Black and White. I'm unsure of their purpose, but it seemed significant."

Gavin's eyes narrowed. "The House of Black and White? Are they hiring Faceless Men? Who would Lys want dead?"

He paced back and forth, muttering to himself. "The disputed lands are stable, and no major conflicts have erupted. The alliance of the Triarchs remains intact. Could their target be me?"

The thought sent a chill down Gavin's spine. "It's a stretch, but Lys has reason to fear me. My conquest of the Stepstone Islands dealt them a blow, and now that I have Syndor, they may see me as an even greater threat. If they've decided I'm too dangerous to live..."

He stopped pacing and turned to the man. "Keep an eye on the Lysians. If they haven't left Braavos, find out where they're staying."

The man nodded and bowed. "Understood, sir. I'll report back soon."

As the man departed, Gavin summoned his guards. "Double security around the villa. From now on, establish a daily password, and change it every day. Anyone unable to provide it—our own people included—is to be treated as hostile. Maids and servants from the Sea King's estate are not to leave the premises without an escort. All food brought here must be inspected for poison. Understood?"

The lead guard saluted. "Yes, sir. I'll see to it immediately."

Gavin watched the guard leave, his thoughts heavy. "If Lys truly hired the Faceless Men, I need to be ready. Braavos may not be as safe as I hoped."